ABS Light stays on with 130/70R-17 front tire

[TriumPhil]

Yep, I really don't know what sort of instability issues STRIPES is referring to. I have had none of the same on either the Michelin 140 or the B'Stone E Max 130 and I visit 100+ mph, let's say, more than occasionally.

 

[1olbull]

It means "Grey Beard" in Spanish.

Have a Tyre calculator. Tire Size Calculator - Compare Tire Sizes

barba gris,
Nice little program. Saves me button pushing and metric conversions.
So, I put in my Excedra Max 240/55 R16 and the 130/70 R16. It spit out 8.4% circumference difference. Less than 10% - we shall see . . .
1olbull

 

[barbagris]

barba gris,
Nice little program. Saves me button pushing and metric conversions.
So, I put in my Excedra Max 240/55 R16 and the 130/70 R16. It spit out 8.4% circumference difference. Less than 10% - we shall see . . .
1olbull

130/70 R16 - 16"? You sure? - that would be a touring front.





REVS PER MILE

-3.6 REAR - +9.5 FRONT - ADDED = 13.1% DIFFERENCE

 

[barbagris]

He also told me the ABS remains in effect and shall perform properly in spite of the warning light.

This will depend on how the ABS unit is programmed. But I've no reason to doubt your source. Nothing trumps experience or outright knowledge.

 

[barbagris]

I have tried the smaller front tires and the handling improvement at low speeds is apparent. What I have also found is, the accentuated maneuverability is also apparent at higher speeds which I do not enjoy at all. The bike is rock solid at one ton plus speeds with a stock tire. Not so with the smaller. I am going back to stock size on the front even though it robs hp.

Odd - with a 140/80 front I'm taking long sweeping curves MUCH faster than a 150 would allow - especially a ME880. And in Alpine bends I'm a good 10kph faster through bends.

The ME880 front is a pinch fit to the rim and so is very straight line stable. It has a very long thin contact patch. The Cobra handles fast curves better. It' is NOT a pinch fit.

If you're comparing a 130/70 to a Metz - The Metz fitted is closer to a 140/90 measured with vernier gauge.The Cobra fitted is a true 150/80 measured. Run tyre pressures on the high side if it's warm where you are.

The 130/70 is altering the steering angle MARGINALLY and if you're unused to sportier geometry you will notice it. Personally I'm more used to nimble Italian handling so welcome a little more character in the handling.

 

[STRIPES]

I agree with you 100 percent. What you do not address is how the bike feels at above 100MPH.

 

[barbagris]

I agree with you 100 percent. What you do not address is how the bike feels at above 100MPH.

Like it's on rails - My normal cruising speed - including motorway bends is close to 90mph. I get above 160kph (GPS) - which is the ton often enough. Had it to 200kph (though not that often) on the setup with no issues at all.

 

[1olbull]

Sorry, I made a typo with that 16" front. My math was correct at 8.4% circumference difference favoring the rear wheel.

Your comp numbers on the different front sizes and rear sizes produce a net difference of 12.3%.

I be surprised that the OEM circumference difference is 3.7% in favor of the front wheel?!?!

So it appears that my tire set versus the OEMs shall indeed exceed your magic 10% possible ABS warning limit.

We shall soon see - Should have it all mounted up by next Wednesday or Thursday.
Interesting stuff to be sure,
1olbull

 

[TriumPhil]

I agree with you 100 percent. What you do not address is how the bike feels at above 100MPH.

There is no doubt that the R3 feels considerably lighter with a smaller front wheel, STRIPES. Maybe this is what you are feeling, rather than instability? Not may of us are doing hard cornering at or above 100 mph. Actually it's a pretty safe bet that at those speeds, other than pushing through large sweepers mostly on the superslabs or other well-graded accommodating roads, we are mostly running straight ahead, so I'm not sure whether the issue you are trying to describe is really tire-related at all other than for the lighter feel of the bike with a 130 up front.

I'm not trying to bust your chops or doubting what you stated that you're feeling, just trying to get an accurate idea of exactly what the concern is.

 

[Jim/Maine]

Chris, your "easy math" is way beyond my simple mind but it is interestingly presented. My 240/55 Bridge has no issues with the ABS (or is it the other way around). I do want to keep my ABS functioning so will be looking at the 140's -- perhaps the Commander or the Avon but wet traction is very important to me. Any feedback about such would be appreciated. 150 options seem more limited but will look at the Bridge Excedra - non Max - as well.